companion animals; welfare; health

This bill creates an Office of Domestic Companion Animal Health and Welfare within Arizona’s state veterinarian’s office to regulate pet breeders. It requires backyard breeders (those breeding for sale) and hobby breeders (those producing two or more litters yearly) to obtain permits, pay fees, and follow specific care standards including proper housing, food, water, space, exercise, and veterinary care for their animals. Breeders must provide veterinary inspection certificates when selling pets and face fines of up to $1,000 for non-compliance. Permit fees fund Arizona’s spay/neuter program, with half retained by the state and half deposited into the existing animal welfare fund.